Augustyniak Insurance News

Safety Tips for Your Boat Trailer

Tue, 01 May 2012 17:52:53 GMT

When purchasing a trailer in Florida or elsewhere, stay within recommended weight capacity guidelines. When determining capacity, remember to include the weight of fuel and accessories in addition to the weight of the craft.

Trailers come with closed or open frames. Closed frames help protect the wiring, but problems can be more difficult to locate and repair. Open frames leave the wiring exposed, but make it easier to spot and repair potential problems. Open frames also drain water more easily and efficiently, so keep in mind that when you dip that trailer into lakes, or elsewhere.

Consider the method of personal watercraft (PWC) support, the frame strength and construction, whether lights and wiring are approved for marine use, whether rollers and bunks are properly positioned and attached to the main frame for proper suspension, and the durability of the finish. (Powder-coated or galvanized finishes are more durable than baked-on enamel.)

Purchase good quality tie-downs with the right hooks to attach to your trailer. Before each use of your trailer, check:

Tires for wear and inflation
Hitch and safety chain for signs of wear or stress
Braking system to make sure you can stop with a load
Electrical system for improper connections, corroded terminals, damaged wires, burned out bulbs, etc.
Wheel bearings are properly packed with a good bearing grease
Lug nuts and main nuts are tight
Stops, rollers and bunks for wear or cracks
Coupler and ball are compatible in size and are properly secured. Check for wear or stress
Both bow and stern of your PWC are secured to the trailer. Use extra tie-downs in case one should fail
Emergency supplies; carry basic tools, spare bulbs, bearings, grease, mounted tire and highway flares

Drive carefully. Give other drivers plenty of warning for any maneuvers. Allow for the extra length of the car and trailer when turning and passing, and allow extra time for stopping.

Pull off the road periodically to check the rig. Examine the tires and wheel bearings for signs of overheating, check the lights and test the tie-downs.

Before Leaving Shore

At the Launch Ramp:

It helps to have someone in the car, and someone at the water.
Prepare your PWC as much as possible before taking your turn in line. Remove the craft cover. Remove the seat for a few minutes to allow gas fumes to vent. Undo the stern (not bow) tie-downs. Unplug the trailer lights. Make sure the PWC drain plugs are in place. Visually inspect your PWC from bow to stern.
Be courteous. Wait your turn at the ramp. Don’t rush, but don’t linger longer than necessary.
Make sure the way is clear before launching. Look for other boats, debris, etc.
Be prepared to ride clear of the launch area immediately and to secure the PWC out of the way of others.
Never leave the trailer unattended on the ramp with only the parking brake set.

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Be Safe on Your Motorcycle

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:39:29 GMT

To stay safe on Jacksonville, FL streets, you need the right skills to control your ride, and the best safety equipment for just-in-case. Augustyniak Insurance cares about your safety – so keep these helpful tips in mind when you ride:

When You Ride, Be Prepared and Protected

Update your Policy when You Update Your Equipment
Make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your Motorcycle Policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, contact us and let our team make sure your coverage is current before you head out on the streets.
Training Saves Lives
Smart riders are safe riders – that’s why many states encourage riders to take classes and improve their riding skills. Riders who attend safe riding courses may also qualify for insurance discounts – contact us to find out more!
Helmets Are For Every Augustyniak Insurane Group Rider
A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.* Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots. Want to know what safety equipment is required in Jacksonville, FL? Call us at 268-3106 today!
Be Visible – In a Crash, the SUV Wins
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car never saw the motorcyclist. With more and bigger cars on the road, you need to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps – both night and day – and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility when out on the streets.
Ride sober!
Driving impaired is more deadly for cyclists than other drivers. In fact, more than half of all motorcycle deaths occur when the rider has been drinking.*

* Source: NHSA's Traffic Safety report on Motorcycles.

If you would like to get a Jacksonville FL Motorcycle Insurance Quote, please contact us via our website or 904-268-3106.

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For further questions and assistance, please contact us or call us at 904-268-3106

Sinkhole vs. Catastrophic Ground Collapse Coverage in Florida

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:49:10 GMT

Sinkholes can cause major damage to homes in Florida

In 1981, in Winter Park, Florida a sinkhole opened up and swallowed a house and several nearby businesses. On June 27, 2011 a sinkhole swallowed part of a beauty salon in Leesburg, Florida. In fact, Florida has more sinkholes than any other state in the nation.

Sinkhole coverage has been part of most homeowners insurance policies until 2011-2012. In the past 10 years, there have been a large number of claims being filed on homeowners insurance policies in Florida, particularly from Hernando, Citrus, and Pasco Counties. Many claims made under these policies resulted in houses being declared a total loss when there has been little to no damage visible damage to the home.

In response, Florida law has changed and clarified the definition between houses damaged by a catastrophic ground collapse and damage from less severe sinkholes. The law requires insurance companies to cover "catastrophic ground cover collapse," but damage caused by sinkhole may no longer be covered by your policy.

How many sinkholes have been filed in my area of Florida?

University of South Florida has a map program that will show how many sinkholes have been reported by each county in Florida. The maps are available by clicking here. Sinkholes are rarer in North and South Florida. Sinkholes occur much more often in Western and Central Florida. They are particularly common in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Marion, Seminole, Polk, and Lake Counties

What is a Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse and how does it affect my homeowners insurance policy?

First what's the definition of Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse? It's defined as a geological activity that results in ALL of the following 1) The abrupt collapse of the ground cover 2) a depression in the ground clearly visible to the naked eye 3) Structural damage to the building including the foundation 4) the insured structure being condemned and ordered to be vacated by the government agency authorized by law to issue such an order for that structure.

Under this definition, the damage caused by the 1981 Winter Park sinkhole or the 2011 Leesburg sinkhole would be covered under a homeowners insurance policy. The damages meet all 4 criteria above. Your homeowners policy will always cover these types of sinkholes.

However, the majority of the homes damaged by a sinkhole will not meet this “ 4 prong collapse” definition. The Florida law has changed, and in response so has the insurance industry. Read your insurance policies carefully. It is now possible that if your home is damaged by a sinkhole, but it does not meet ALL four criteria for catastrophic ground cover collapse - for instance, you may have foundation cracks from a sinkhole, but the home is still livable - your insurance may not pay for the damage if you do not have sinkhole coverage.

What can you do if you want to purchase the broader coverage for "Sinkholes?"

All insurance companies licensed to do business in Florida automatically include catastrophic ground collapse in homeowners policies. Also, all insurance companies must offer sinkhole coverage. This sinkhole coverage is usually as a addendum or rider to the homeowners policy with an additional charge to add sinkhole coverage on the policy. Most insurance companies before adding coverage for sinkholes will require an inspection from an approved inspection company that shows no existing damage. The insurance company will require certain inspection companies to be used and will usually split the cost of the inspection with you 50/50. The typical cost of inspection that a client will pay is $70 in Florida. When the inspection company comes to your house, the will be looking for any cracks to the building, foundation, or driveway. If the inspection company finds any cracks, the report sent to the insurance company will note this. The presence of any cracks at the house (whether caused by sinkhole or not) will likely prevent your home from being able to get approved to add the sinkhole rider. The cost of the sinkhole rider will vary in different areas of the state. For example in North Florida it may be as low as $50, while in in Central Florida run $300, and sinkhole alley (Polk, Hernando, Pasco, Citrus Counties) it can be $500+ to add this coverage.

If you are buying a home, be sure that the house is insurable for sinkholes if this a concern to you. When you have the new home inspected, be sure to ask if the inspection will address any possible sinkhole activity, like cracks in the walls or foundations.

If you would like to shop and compare your homeowners insurance policy in Jacksonville or in any other part of Florida, please visit our website or call us at 904-268-3106.

Top 5 Driving Mistakes

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:20:07 GMT

Keep your teenagers and employees safe. Review with them these 5 common mistakes made by drivers on the road today!

1. Tailgating
Leave a three-second cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you. Leave even more time when road conditions are bad or when you're travelling at higher speeds.

2. Stopping Instead of Yielding
Accidents can happen when drivers stop at a yield sign. "Yield" simply means to slow down and let the traffic on the road you are entering have the right of way. Most times, this is possible without coming to a stop.

3. Trusting Mirrors Instead of Your Eyes
Relying on mirrors can cause blind spots. Whether backing up or switching lanes, always look over your shoulder. And remember, objects in your mirror are closer than they appear.

4. Failing to Yield on Green
Even though a green light means "GO," always remember to look at the street you are entering—especially when turning left—to make sure no pedestrians or vehicles are in your path.

5. Multi-Tasking
Drivers are distracted by just about anything these days—including the radio, eating and using the phone. Focus on driving and turn off all gadgets when you turn the key.
Be a safe driver.

Looking for car insurance in Jacksonville? Call us at 268-3106 or visit our website and we'll shop your insurance for you!

Should Florida Ban Texting & Driving?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:58:58 GMT

Should Florida Ban Texting and Driving?

As of Feb 2012, there are 35 states that have outlawed texting and driving, but Florida isn't one of them.

Right now the Florida legislature is considering passing a bill to outlaw this. However, the legislature has been hostile to anti-texting bills in the past. The reason generally given is that it is an intrusion into people's lives. A Senate bill has zipped through this season, but the House Bill has stalled. Florida's Governor Scott has not determined which side of the debate he falls on. Both bills would make texting subject to secondary enforcement, meaning police could cite drivers for it only if they had been pulled over for another violation such as speeding.

To read the full insurance Journal article, click here.

Do you think Florida should Ban Texting and Driving?

Looking for car insurance in Jacksonville? Call us and we'll shop your insurance for you!

Prepare for Bad Weather Before You Hit the Road

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:30:59 GMT

Bad weather is the enemy of every driver in Florida. Augustyniak Insurance Group wants you and your employees to be safe. And better safety means preventing auto accidents and lowering your Jacksonville FL auto insurance rates! These tips are great whether you have a commercial auto fleet or just a driveway full of cars!

Are you satisfied that your vehicle and all of its components are in good working condition? Even if you are, bad weather demands that you take a few more precautions before hitting the road. Every few months, especially as the winter months approach, check the following items.

Here are the top 10 tips to help you keep you and your family and employees safe!

Battery: Does it need to be charged or replaced? Cold weather puts extra strain on a battery. Always keep jumper cables in your vehicle.

Brakes: Are they properly adjusted? Should they be replaced? Good brakes are more important than ever during the rain. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), make sure it is working.

Cooling system: Be sure the cooling system is free from leaks. Should it be flushed and refilled?

Defroster: Are the defroster and heater working properly? Make sure they can keep the interior from fogging and the windshield free from ice that may build up early in the morning.

Engine: Have you had a recent tune-up? This is a must in cold weather to prevent slow starts and stalling.

Exhaust System: Check to make sure the muffler and exhaust pipe are free from leaks. Carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system can threaten your life.

Lights: Keep all lights clean and working properly (high and low-beam headlights, taillights, brake lights, directional signals).

Restraints: Keep the seatbelts clean and accessible, and be sure to use them. Restraints can keep you behind the wheel and in control if the vehicle suddenly skids.

Tires: Are they properly inflated? Are treads in good condition and wheels aligned and balanced?

Windshield Wipers and Washer: Keep wiper blades in good condition and be sure they are set at the proper pressure.

Augustyniak Insurance can provide you with tools for fleet driving training and additional information to help reduce crashes in everyday driving. Just give us a call at 904-268-3106 or visit www.WeShopInsurance.com today!

Are your valuables covered by your home insurance, FL?

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:18:00 GMT

Most people know how important it is to have insurance in place to protect their home. A homeowners insurance policy provides financial support in the event a home is damaged or destroyed.

Did you know that it will also cover a home's contents or owners' personal possessions. It’s important to be clear on exactly what is and isn’t covered in a specific policy, and how much you could receive in the event an item was damaged or stolen. This is particularly important when it comes to your jewelry and valuable items.

Many people don’t realize that standard homeowners insurance policies have a relatively low limit on what can be claimed for jewelry. Limits can vary among insurance companies, but often, the limit is around $1,000. Would that be enough to replace your jewelry if it was stolen during a burglary?

You may also have paintings or other artwork, electronic equipment, musical instruments, silverware or even something like a stamp collection. If any of these are worth a substantial sum, then you should you speak to your insurer or agent about your options. In many cases, it’s possible to purchase extra coverage specifically for items like these. This is called a floater or an option, and the price will be determined by the value of your items.

Whether or not you already have home insurance, we recommend that you speak to their insurance agent about any high value items like jewelry, watches, furs, guns, art, silverware, computers or business property kept at the home. Some planning now may save you valuable dollars in the future.

If you would like to talk to us further, please call us at 904-268-3106 or contact us online. If you would like a free quote on Jewelry Insurance or other valuables, please request a quote from us.

7 Ways to save money on your Home Insurance Policy - Tip #4

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:48:00 GMT

What’s considered personal property? Personal property are items you take with you when you move from house to house…. Clothes, TV, electronics, furniture, pots and pans, (the things you put in the moving truck). Personal property you own can be covered under a Florida home owners policy (Coverage C- Personal Property). In addition to how much your chose to buy for these items you can select from two choices on how to cover personal property –actual cash value and replacement cost (the better of the two).

Our first recommendation is too look around and add up how much you personal property (contents) you have in your home. You may be paying too uch for home insurance Jacksonville, simply because you are overinsuring your personal property. This website can help you determine how much you should cover.

The second recommendation that we have is to know the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost. Actual cash-value coverage reimburses you for the cost of your damaged property at the time of the claim, minus depreciation for the fact that your items are used. Replacement cost coverage reimburses you for the cost of you a brand new item that is just like the damaged item. Actual cash value policy can result in a lower claim payout than you expect. Here’s a real life example: You purchased a brand new couch for $1,000 five years ago. Actual Cash value coverage, takes into account that the couch has been used for five years, and it will pay for the value of a five year old used couch. Most of the time no where near the $1,000 that it would cost to go buy another one. On the other hand, Replacement cost on your couch, will give you exactly enough money to go and buy a brand new same brand name couch without any consideration that the one damaged is used. It generally will pay the $1,000. Replacement cost coverage will reimburse the full value of an item based on the cost of purchasing a new one.

Now which one is a better value for you? If you are only concerned about insuring your home because money is tight and the bank is getting ready to force place coverage, or if you would never replace the items if it gets damaged – then go ahead and consider a actual cash value policy. We always recommend that you select replacement Cost on your contents home policy in Orlando. The upfront cost is greater on a replacement cost, but you are more likely to receive accurate compensation for your possessions. Replacement Cost feature will be a much better value in the long run.

7 Ways to save money on your Home Insurance Policy - Tip #3

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:53:00 GMT

Florida Home Insurance Jacksonville can get expensive each year. But, here is an easy money saving tip. This one is pretty straight forward. Increase your deductible.? Homeowners insurance is expensive and for some homes right on the beach or in sinkhole prone areas, it can be down right difficult to find insurance.

First, we recommend that you don't turn in small claims to any Florida insurance company. Because, once you do, many companies will raise the premium after you file a claim. The money you get back should be more than you will pay in increased premiums. So, if you aren't going to turn in a small claim, you should increase your deductible. We recommend that claims less than $1000 you consider making the repairs your self - it will often be less expensive in the long run.

There are typically two types of deductibles in Florida - your deductible (called your all other peril deductible and hurricane deductible. While you can still purchase a $500 all other peril deductible, we recommend a minimum of a $1,000 deductible. This is because, if you stay claims free for 2 years, the $1000 deductible often pays for itself in savings. Other deductibles can be obtained at $2,500 or $5,000. This deductible applies to all covered claims, except, hurricane claims.

The second type is your Hurricane deductible. This is a deductible that applies if a named hurricane causes damage your home. This means it has to be a named storm - like Andrew, Charley, Katrina, etc. (You can track these types of storms through the National hurricane center.) For damage caused from named storms, for your homeowners insurance you can choose a 2%, 5%, or 10% hurricane deductible. This is a % of the total amount of insurance - not the total claim. For example, if your home is insured for $100,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, the actual dollar amount of your deductible is $2,000. Most of the time, customers purchase a 2% hurricane deductible, but savings can be obtained with a 5% or 10%.

At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we can compare many different companies' home insurance Jacksonville policies, so you can lessen the amount of time you spend shopping, plus we give you free expert advice and quotes on the different prices associated with different deductible choices for your home insurance Jacksonville, home insurance Daytona Beach, home insurance Orlando, and home insurance Ponte Vedra Beach.

7 Ways to save money on your Home Owners Insurance Policy - Tip #2

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:52:00 GMT

Whether you like it or not, your credit rating can affect how much you pay for a Florida home insurance policy.? Several companies give significant discounts (up to 20%) of your total policy costs for having superior credit.? We recommend that your work to keep and maintain a good credit score. Anything you can do to increase your credit score can lower your costs of insurance. Here's a great video explanation from the Insurance Information Institute. Secondly, often times two people (husband-wife, significant others ) own a property together. Tell your insurance agent which of the property owners has better credit.? Usually, credit is only run on one person. So, it make sense when you are shopping to run credit on the person with the better credit.

Many times people are concerned that shopping for insurance will lower you Beacon score. The insurance industry runs a soft hit on your credit. This generally does not lower your credit score as it is an inquiry only rather than applying for a new line of new credit. Talk to us. If you let us know which person has the best credit, we can work with you to get the most favorable rate for your home insurance Jacksonville policy or your Florida home insurance policy.

At Augustyniak Insurance Group, we can compare many different companies policies, so you can lessen the amount of time you spend shopping, plus we give you free expert advice and quotes on the different prices associated with different deductible choices for your home insurance Jacksonville, home insurance Daytona Beach, home insurance Orlando, and home insurance Orange Park, and home insurance Ponte Vedra Beach.